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Friday, August 13, 2010

i'm still stuck

When shopping for fabric, I find something I like, (preferably on sale) then I stock up for future quilts. Then, when I make my quilts, they are usually comprised of between 75% to 100% of stash. It is a process that works well for me. I like the challenge of using fabrics on hand and working them together like a puzzle to come up with a complete quilt.When I saw this fabric at Gruber's, I loved it. It was on sale ($4.50/yard!) and since it is smack dab in the middle my color comfort zone, I bought 5 yards of it, knowing it would make a lovely backing for some quilt someday.I put it together with my spiderweb quilt top and thought, "THIS IS IT!!" I like how the shapes of the backing fabric have angles that somewhat mimic the spiderweb shape. The colors are pretty close to what is in the front. Plus, it would camouflage my quilting lines.I even found binding fabric in my stash to match, because that is the last piece of the puzzle. It would look good, don't you think?

This is where the indecision came in.I put the backing next to my quilt along quilt. Could there BE a better match? (said in my best Chandler voice.) I don't think so.Even the binding works with this version. (Although I just may pick something else if I go this route.)

What would you do?

This is what really gets me...for all the fabrics in the spiderweb quilt, you would think picking a backing would be easy peasy. Not so much. I've been struggling with what to back it with for a ridiculous length of time. About a year now, I guess. Help!

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice, but I like the quilt along quilt better. I think it's because of the white tones. I like the binding fabric better on the spiderweb quilt though. At least you know you can't make a mistake with either choice!

I think it looks best with the spider web quilt. When I quilt though, I like to "follow a pattern"... if my front is pretty basic, I go with a crazy pattern back, if my front is crazy, I keep the back calmer. As far as Binding goes, I prefer to use a solid color if I use a print on the back and a pattern if I use a Solid. Just my preference. I'm sure whatever you decide to do will be beautiful though!

I like it better with the quilt along quilt. I think it's perfect with it actually. In my opinion, I think something with a bigger print or something less color-busy would go well with the spiderweb quilt top. Good luck! :)

I like it better with the quilt along quilt. Could it BE more perfect? (I type Bing too) I find it a little too pastel for the spiderweb.

I actually think a fabric like the red you chose for binding would look better for the spiderweb quilt. The colors in that quilt seem to be richer and deeper and I think they need something stronger like the red.

Both tops are GREAT, but I really LOVE the spiderweb top and can understand it taking a while to land on the right backing.

I say use it with the spiderweb quilt. It looks fantastic with it. And you might find the perfect sale fabric for the QA quilt later, especially since you used fabric from a brand-new line for the QA quilt.

It looks great with both but I think the quilt along suits it best as the colours are bit more pastelly. However, if you're fer up of wondering what to back the spider web with then you could just go for that and find something else for the quilt along.... or... is there not enough to back both quilts? Even if you pieced it?

That's a great chunk of fabric! I'd say, go with your first gut. It reads just a tad too bright for your quilt-along quilt. And it's funky and colorful and looks like a perfect match in style and colors for your spiderweb quilt. And I'd love to see a beautiful floral on the back of your quilt-a-long. Good luck!

I prefer it with the quilt-a-long. The spiderweb quilt has so much going on in the front, I find that backing is a bit too busy for it. Just my opinion! All your work is beautiful and if you end up using it for the spiderweb quilt I'm sure I'll adore the results. I'm not sure if there is a bad decision! :)

I like the backing fabric on the QAL quilt better than the spider web quilt but I like the binding fabric the opposite. But you can't go wrong either way. I'm almost done with the QAL, one more strip to go. Then I have to find a backing fabric. I think I already have a binding fabric.

I like it much better with the quilt along, although at first I thought I would like it better with the Spiderweb. Somehow, it's not quite vibrant enough for the Spiderweb. Have you thought of maybe a solid backing for the Spiderweb, since it has so much color on the front? Definitely a very bold, vibrant color though. Just my thoughts. ;)

My vote is definately for the spider quilt... I have a problem with the random shapes in the backing fabric paired with the squareness/precision of the QA quilt that for no logical reason makes it seem like not a match?! Both are lovely quilts, tho.

Oh darn, what a canumdrum! Which one excites you more that you want to quilt it right now? I'd go for that one! and just to be different, I love the quilt along, it's just that little bit more right to my eye :)

I think the color tones are perfect together on the QAQ, although as soon as I saw the fabric I too noticed that the angles were a perfect match to the spiderweb quilt. I think what would be perfect is if you used this for the QAQ and then check and see if you can find more of this fabric in a darker color palate for the Spider web quilt, it would also be perfect! The red binding I prefer with the SW quilt.

I think the color tones are perfect together on the QAQ, although as soon as I saw the fabric I too noticed that the angles were a perfect match to the spiderweb quilt. I think what would be perfect is if you used this for the QAQ and then check and see if you can find more of this fabric in a darker color palate for the Spider web quilt, it would also be perfect! The red binding I prefer with the SW quilt.

It's tough but I think I like it with the quilt along better. HOWEVER if you hadn't shown us the options we all probably would have loved it with whichever quilt top you chose. So the bottom line is that you win no matter what.

I personally like the Gruber’s fabric better with your quilt-a-long top; the softness of this fabric works well with the softer colors used in the quilt-a-long top. Because the colors in your spider web quilt lean toward the dark richer side I would look for a backing that is a bit darker in color. As for the binding fabric, I think it works best with the spider web top. Good luck on your decision, it’s so hard sometimes making the right choice.

It's so good to have you back at blogging! My vote goes for matching it to your quilt-along quilt. It reminds me of the scene in "Six Degrees of Separation" where they hold up the two-sided Kandinsky painting... Chaos/Control...

I'm chiming in, but am worried that so many opinions will make it even harder for you to decide. But here goes: my feeling is that the softness of the backing fabric is a better match for your quilt-along quilt. The spiderweb fabric includes many stronger colors, and I think if I were you I would go with a fabric that incorporates those tones. I'm thinking of something by American Jane, maybe something polka dotted, to echo the circular spiderwebs rather than the angular aspects. Either way, though, the quilts are going to be splendid. Won't you be happy to have them finished?

I was going to say the Quilt-A-Long quilt until you mentioned that you have been struggling to back the Spiderweb for a while. I think the backing would work well with both but use it to back the Spiderweb.

Since you asked . . . I like the backing for the quilt-along squares--it's perfect. Binding too. It's only so-so for me on the spiderweb quilt. And I'll go one further--I think the back of the spiderweb should be dark. A navy blue with a bold pattern. (For the record, I'm horribly indecisive. But that one is a no-brainer for me.)

Maybe you could find a spiderweb fabric for the borders? I have started a spiderweb quilt myself and already have the border fabric-white spiderwebs on purple. My blocks will have lots of purple strips too.Something to think about. LOL

Guess I'm bucking the trend here because I'd definitely go with the spiderweb quilt, hands down. Of course, the color on my monitor might be a bit "off" but the blue in the backing seems much too bright for the QAQ. Plus, I love the scale of the larger spiderwebs and the smaller print. And the dots on the binding go so well with the webs. But hey, that's just me ;-)

ack - I can see why you are stuck!! My knee jerk reaction was that I liked it better with the quilt along quilt, but then, the more I looked, I liked it better with the spiderweb. GOOD LUCK choosing!! At least it looks great with both of them : )

It could be the colors on my screen, but, I like it with the QAL much better because, again on my screen, it apears to have more pink/aqua similar to the QAL, where the spider web speaks primary colors to me.

So fun to read your comments -- I'd already decided on the quilt along quilt and it looks like that's the majority vote, oddly. I do think I'd like a little less red binding though -- having compared that color to my still waiting tower of those Anna Griffin fabrics ;-)!

Spiderweb Quilt. I did hesitate for a minute though, like you. But then I had a closer look at the last photo, and I think the shapes of the backing with the Spiderweb quilt win against the colouring of the quilt-a-long quilt. But, in the end, you have to love it, not us. Either will look good.

I don't think you could go wrong either way. Is there enough to use as binding for one of them? At first, I thought the fabric would make a fantastic border. I had to re-read to know that you were looking at it for your back. Hmmm... If there's some left over, a binding with it would really pop. Just my $.02

My vote would be to use your backing fabric (which is fabulous!) with the Quilt a Long quilt. I would back the Spiderweb quilt with a gorgeous coloured solid. Can't wait to see what you finally decide!

Your backing fabric matches the quilt along quilt perfectly! I would go with that, but would choose a different binding. Although your fabric goes with the spider web quilt, it doesn't have that punch. I'm sure you'll find a great backing fabric for the spider web quilt soon :-) I'd suggest something less busy, or even a nice solid, or shot cotton.Fara (long time subscriber; first time commentor!)

Hey Amanda Jean, You could piece your back. (or maybe not.)I have something for you I just haven't been able to get to the post office. I will go in the morning so be on the look out, next week, for something from Texas. Take care my friend and happy sewing!!!

Personally I think the backing will work well with either quilt but I'm not keen on your choice of border. It's not quite the right red for that backing. I say back the spider quilt and find a new border - maybe the turquoise that's in both the backing and the front.

I think the fabric would be great on the quilt along quilt. I think a black and white print of some kind would be really dramatic on the spiderweb quilt with a red print binding of some sort. My two cents... thanks for the opp to give input!

Are you really going to go with the majority?! I'm chiming in for the QAQ. Up close you might see the little triangle shapes but from a distance it's just blendy. A strong polka dot or a solid would be my choice for the spinder web.

I had one answer and after reading the other comments, I changed my mind !

So I would suggest a little trick that I like to do.

I lay out the proposed backing fabric wrongside up, then lay the quilt top on it right side up (with or without batting, doesn't matter........then I turn up the corner, as if it's already a quilt, and it's folded back on itself. Then I walk away and everytime I pass it, I notice whether I LOVE IT or it's 'eh'. (my poorer version of Chandler Bing).

Anyway, that's what works for me. I get serious because I have a quilt that I really like that has a back that I really DON'T like........and it has bothered me for over 10 years !

My opinion is that while the fabrics match perfectly with both, the spider web would be harder to find something else to match, whereas the squares could have a backing that matches just one or two of the colours as the colour blocks are more seperate. I think you should use your stash with the spiderweb one.

This is my first comment- LOVE your blog. I love that fabric with your QAL quilt the best. But when I look at that spiderweb quilt I totally see a chambray blue back and a black with white small polka dot binding- Perfect

Wow! I bet you didn't know you were going to open up a can of worms with that simple question!! I'm not sure you need any more opinions, but just in case, I like the backing with the quilt-along quilt, but I'd put a yellow binding on it. Use the red binding for the spiderweb quilt, and I'd think about using a solid for the backing, and use a quilting pattern that will echo the spiderwebs onto the back of the quilt. Good luck, and I'm sure they'll both be lovely whatever you decide!!

I think it needs to go with the quilt along quilt. I think the spiderweb quilt needs something a little brighter or bolder? I do think the binding should stay with the spiderweb - it's too bold for the quilt along quilt. Happy choosing :)

No doubt for me - that backing fabric is great with the spiderweb quilt. I love the angles like you mentioned in your post. Also, you have been looking for a great back for the spiderweb quilt for a while and now you have one. Further, I agree with a previous post that the quilt along quilt can easily be paired with so many fabrics.

I'd keep it with the spiderweb quilt. You're right, it could with either, but with so much white in the quilt along quilt my tendency would be to pick a simpler fabric, and perhaps a larger scale print to contrast the front.

is it possible to split the 5 yards and use it for both quilts? you have in the past used patches or something to fit in... in this case a couple of spiderweb blocks... then for the other... a couple of quilt along pieces .... and of course your usual white...and voila, i think you could use this perfect fabric for both quilt backs... and do them both equal justice.

either way - you always do the right thing and make an absolute treasure for all of us to oggle!!!

i love it on the quilt-along quilt. can you save a bit of it for backing on the spiderweb and go with a solid for the rest? that binding fabric may even be a good backing for the spiderweb!seems like you can't go wrong either way though :o)

My first instinct is the quilt along quilt. I really like how the colors work together for that one. (I could see changing the binding color a bit though) For the spiderweb quilt I like the idea of a solid for the backing.

LOVE it with the quilt-a-long quilt. It's perfect! But maybe with a turquoise or yellow binding rather than the red. As a few others have suggested, I think the spider web quilt needs a brighter backing with a bolder design.

Why don't you go back to the store - buy more - back them both - I do prefer it more with the spider-web quilt. Maybe you have to wait a bit longer to meet the perfect piece for quilt-along-quilt (hopefully not as long as a year).

Use the backing for whichever quilt you'd like to have finished and on display. If you choose the quilt-along-quilt, I'd not use red for the binding - I think a soft green, aqua or blue would be better.

Haven't read many of the other comments, but I like it best with the quilt-along!! But you know what--it's your choice. By the by--started following your blog before I was a quilter. This week I just finished piecing my first quilt--full sized. Kind took a class to get motivated. Earlier I had picked out fabric to make your filmstrip quilt. Can't wait to get started!!Thanks for all your inspiration and tutorials.Kalamazoo Sue

Well it would work on either but the quilt along seems to be calling out for it more.

How about a nice plaid for the backing of the spider web? Have any on hand?Like you I have large stash....I like to think of it as a palate.....I pull from it and mix and match until I find whatever pleases me :0)...its fun huh?

Quilt-along-quilt, for sure! It is the perfect foil for the light, white feel of the top and all the diamondy (is this a word?) shapes go nicely against the squareness of the top. You will find something more perfect for the spider web quilt, in due time. This is one of those process vs. product moments. 'Nuff said.Love your blog, BTW,Greta

I guess with the comments you would still be stuck. if the store has more of the backing, get some more (heck its on sale right). The binding - well I guess it could go for a solid or whatever you have in your stash. that is my goal too - to use whatever fabric I have in my stash. Good luck!

I think the binding fabric would look great on the back of the spiderweb quilt and the other fabric looks fantastic with the quiltalong quilt. Although I don't suppose you have yards and yards of the binding fabric....

I think the binding fabric would look great on the back of the spiderweb quilt and the other fabric looks fantastic with the quiltalong quilt. Although I don't suppose you have yards and yards of the binding fabric....

As if you need one more opinion on this subject . . . and we are probably split so that your decision isn't going to be any easier, but I think it needs to go with the quilt-along quilt, but yean, I'd do something different -- softer -- for the binding if you do that. Good luck!

I vote for using it and the binding you chose with the spiderweb quilt. It looks nice with the quilt along quilt, but I think it will be much easier to find something that looks as good or better with the quilt-along quilt. I even think a vintage sheet would be lovely with the quilt-along quilt. Besides- when I'm working through my unfinished quilt projects, the deciding factor for me is which quilt has been waiting longer- so based on that, the spiderweb quilt wins! :)-Ellie

I know this may sound strange but sometimes I am undecided about backings but end up just going with what I have but not necessarily sold on. Its funny but even though I haven't loved some of my backings I do now and can't imagine those quilts with any other backing.

looks like you don't need another opinion to confuse you, but I love the fabric with the quilt-a-long quilt! you need something in the denim-y blues backing that spiderweb quilt...this from the woman who abandoned her quilting 4 years ago for scrapbooking...I'll keep living vicariously through you okay?

At first I liked it with the Spiderweb bc I did not see it with the other one. Then, I liked the other one more! Now, a few days later, I was popping in to see what your'e up to and looked again and I like it with the SW again because it pulls the blues out. The second top doesn't have blues!!

At first I liked it with the Spiderweb bc I did not see it with the other one. Then, I liked the other one more! Now, a few days later, I was popping in to see what your'e up to and looked again and I like it with the SW again because it pulls the blues out. The second top doesn't have blues!!

I think it looks wonderful with both quilts, but since you are having trouble finding a backing for the spiderweb, I would probably go with that. But I don't think I would use it on either quilt before I had backing for both. That way you won't end up being disappointed if you find another perfect backing for the quilt you have used this fabric to back - did that even make sense??

I love it on both but which quilt has been waiting for a backing the longest....spiderweb so I think you should use it on that one and do one of your great pieced backing for the quiltalong quilt. Enjoy!

Hey, I don't remember you buying that fabric at our retreat! I love that fabric!!! (what is it?) I really love how it looks with the quilt-along quilt and the red binding you set out. I actually think a solid might look cool on the back of the spiderweb quilt because there will be so much going on on the front. I'm sure whatever you pick will be fabulous!

Looks like the rest of us aren't helping much!I like the backing with the quilt-along best, but prefer the binding with the spider web. Maybe it's just the photos, but the backing seems softer looking, while the binding seems deeper/richer.

In light of the fact that you've been looking for a backing for so long, I would use it for the spider web quilt. While it looks great with both, you can probably find another back for the quilt a long quilt since it is not as scrappy and has a more controlled palette.

I much prefer the backing with the quilt along quilt. I think the complement each other in color and drama. The spider web quilt is very beautiful--it is one pattern I very much want to make--but I think it needs stronger colors and maybe a more dramatic large print for the backing. IMHO.Diane

hi there,i think you have fabulous color sense!!! trust your instincts! i like the confetti backing with the spiderweb quilt much better than the polka dot fabric. i also love your binding choice!julie(friend of 'rene creates' in orlando that made her the quilt kit for the retreat)